Disclaimer: All MLP:FiM characters belong to Hasbro and DHX Media. I do not own any of them except my OC.

I was standing at the door of the classroom and Twilight was teaching about the Tree of Harmony. The very thing that I guard myself. She said "The Tree of Harmony remains one of the most powerful sources of magic known to ponydom." What the hay does ponydom mean? Couldn't you have just said ponykind instead? That would have been a lot easier if you ask me. "And though it has been at the "root" of Magic and Friendship from the moment it was planted, its ways are mysterious." I can 100% agree with that. Couldn't have said it better myself. "Almost as if it has a mind of its own." I said "It does have a mind of its own." Smolder said "Mind? It's a tree." I said "It's more than just a tree. In fact, the tree is the reason why I have all of this power." Twilight said "He is correct. Also, it is a tree that grew a castle." It still looked pretty to this day. Silverstream asked "Was that before or after Discord made chocolate rain?" I said "That was after. Discord was still evil at the time he made it rain chocolate milk. It wouldn't be for at least another two years before the castle grew after Tirek was defeated." Gallus said randomly "I'm never going to learn pony history!" What makes you say that? The school bell rang and Twilight said "You can all show me what you've learned on tomorrow's test!" That should be interesting. "Friendship's effect on the course of Equestrian History."

HA! That's easy for me. I could get that done in like two minutes and get everything right without breaking a sweat. All the students groaned and I said "It's not as bad as you may think. If you need any help studying, the Guardian of the Tree of Harmony is always free." Twilight said "Remember, study groups are both fun and effective!" Not for me. I always hated those things because I'm an introvert and I didn't really like socializing with people that much back then. I've moved more into the extrovert category over the years, but I still have that introvert blood in me. I followed the Student Six and I heard Sandbar say "So who wants to study together?" Well, that was a bold move. Gallus said "With other students?" Well, yeah. That's the point. "This is Equestria! If you want the real scoop, there's only one place to go!" And what would that be? Gallus dropped his books and went to a random tree. Uhhh, okay then. "Hello, oh magical Equestrian tree. Can you tell me everything I need to know about friendship?" I said "No, but I can." Gallus looked at me and said "What do you mean?" I said "If you think that's what the Tree of Harmony actually looks like, then you are mistaken. Anyways, I am the Guardian of the Tree of Harmony. I can tell you everything you need to know about friendship in like 20 minutes without any sort of complications." They looked at each other and all of them said "Nah, we're good." I said "Alright then. But if you still need help, my door is always open." They walked away and I triggered the glowing magic under the gray drain thing next to the tree. If you've seen the episode, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, go watch it.

I went to the library to observe how the Student Six were going to study. Yeah, yeah, call me Discord all you want, but I'm nosy and I want to see how they plan on studying. Sandbar had a picture of the Tree of Harmony and Smolder guessed "The Elements of Harmony grew the tree?" Not exactly. Ocellus said "No. The Pillars grew the tree." She's right on that. Sandbar said "The Tree grew the Elements. And then the box with six locks." Yep. You're spot on. Keep going. Ocellus said "But our professors found six keys and unlocked the box." Both Smolder and Gallus looked at each other and were so confused. Honestly, it's not that hard, but eh. Whatever. Gallus said "I'm so gonna fail." With an attitude like that, yes you will. But if you keep trying, you'll get it and pass the test. Silverstream said "You guys! Check this out!" Really? You picked a book on how to fix a sink? Bruh. How do you creatures go to the bathroom if you don't have sinks? You can't just pee or poop in the ocean. That would harm the aquatic environment. Gallus said "That's a plumbing diagram on how to fix a sink." Silverstream was excited and Sandbar asked "What does that have to do with Equestrian history?" Seriously. What does? Silverstream said "Nothing. I just can't believe that's how sinks work!" *facepalms* Ugh, she drives me nuts sometimes. "Where's Yona?" Good question.

Gallus went up to Yona and lifted the book off her face to find her sleeping. Bruh. That's just messed up. Smolder laughed and said "Apparently, Yaks no love study groups." Eh, that Yak impression was average at best. Nothing more. Nothing less. Gallus shushed her and went up Yona's face like a spider. Yona put her paws or whatever it was to her face, and woke up screaming "Spider! No!" LOL. The group laughed and then stopped for some reason. Cozy Glow was laughing for some reason. I'm watching you, you stupid scumbag. Sandbar asked "Hey Cozy. What are you doing here?" Something evil, that's for sure. Cozy said "I volunteered to help Professor Sparkle organize these books." Sure you are. Yeah, I can sniff that lie from a million miles away. I know what you really are doing. You can't fool me. "So? Experts on Friendship history yet?" I am, but I'm not a student, so that doesn't count. Gallus said "I think I'd be better off studying the plumbing book." You rather not. Trust me. You should read IKEA instructions. Putting those things together is considered a college level essay for most people. "This stuff is impossible." Not really. Ocellus turned into Twilight and said "Oh, come on, Gallus! With good friends and solid study habits, anything is possible!" I guess that's true. Gallus laughed while Smolder said with a snark "How about you just tell us what's on tomorrow's test, professor?" Uh, how about no? I don't think so. The rest of the group agreed and Ocellus changed into Applejack. Okay then. This is interesting. She said "Now hold on a sec. I can't give y'all a sneak peek! That there wouldn't be honest!" Uh, I think it's called cheating, Ocellus, not honesty.

My 9th grade World History I teacher always went over the test answers the day before and those that paid attention would get a good score, so it was a win win for me. The rest of the group laughed and Cozy came up to the table to speak rudely pushing Ocellus to the side. How selfish. Anyways, she said "Golly, it's so inspiring how relaxed you all are about studying friendship considering your disadvantage." What the heck do you mean disadvantage? Yona asked "What cute pony mean?" She ain't cute! Okay, maybe, but her attitude sure ain't. I would slap her, but that would be considered animal abuse, so I'll let it slide. Cozy said "Just consider where you all came from!" What the heck does that have to do with anything? "If Sandbar hadn't sacrificed so much of his time to get you up to speed. Who knows how behind you'd be?" I gritted my teeth in anger because this pony is insulting other creatures simply because they aren't "capable of friendship." Bunch of bullcrap if you ask me. Sandbar said "That's not wha…" before Cozy interrupted again and said "I mean growing up as a love-starved changeling!" HEY! Watch the insults! "Or hiding underwater from an evil king all those years! Trusting any creature must be hard for you!" This pony is on my last nerves. "And Griffons never want to be around any creature." I mean, that's slightly true, but you are twisting it to make it an insult and continue to grow those seeds of darkness. It makes me sick.

"Even other griffons!" Never really did get why. They all suffer from the same issue, yet they treat one another like they are the enemy from a different species. It's pathetic. "And dragons are so fierce compared to us." Um, they aren't the only ones. You're looking at one right here. I am the FIERCEST creature out there. I'm so fierce that I can make a dragon look weak and then go cry to their mommy or something. "There must be days you can't wait to get away from all us cute ponies." Just shut the heck up. "Everypony knows Yaks think Yaks are best." You are just the meanest filly I have ever seen. "Making friends with any other creature must seem like a step down." If she does NOT stop throwing insults in the next 5 seconds, I'll have my black shadows wrap her up like a burrito and consume her to be teleported elsewhere. "It's just so impressive how you keep trying to understand friendship, even though it isn't in your nature." Do you really think that friendship is a pony exclusive thing? Uh, heck no. If that's what you honestly think, then you are a fool. The students were sad about it and I growled lowly ready for my attack. "Oh! I'll let you borrow my notes! It's what friends do!" No, it's not. Friends don't talk each other down like that and throw insults at one another about one's past as if they are considered lower than you. Friendship doesn't work like that, and if that's what you think, then you are a fool and you shall face the wrath of God one day.

"I'll be right back!" I don't think so. I charged up my scepter and black shadows grabbed Cozy Glow, engulfed her in black shadow, and made her disintegrate somewhere else. She didn't die, she simply got teleported away from here. Silverstream said "We should get back to studying." I came out and said "That would be a good idea. Also, don't let Cozy Glow make you think you aren't capable of friendship. Any creature is capable of it. She just thinks that it's a pony exclusive thing and for other creatures to inhabit it, she would treat them lower than her, which is something only the fool does. I'll make sure Twilight has a talk with her because that don't fly here. If she was truly your friend, she wouldn't shame you of your past and throw insults at you. Anyways, I'll let you get back to studying." I went into my shadow form and disappeared. The students went back to the table and Silverstream tapped her claws on the table which made it annoying for Gallus and also difficult to concentrate for him as well. Finally, Gallus said "Can you stop that clicking?! I'm trying to focus." Sandbar said "Dude." Chill guys. Gallus said "What?! We have a test! I don't know every detail about every adventure the professors went on like you do." You don't need to know every detail. Just the big important ones. Ocellus said "That's why we're studying together." True, but even still. Smolder said "Right. To help us "disadvantaged" creatures." Didn't you hear anything I said earlier? Yona said "Yona confused. Why we all upset?" I think it's quite obvious, Yona. There was a clang and I knew that was my cue. I went down the thing and transformed myself into the Spirit of Harmony in the underground caves.

I heard Silverstream say "I only glanced at that plumbing book, but I'm pretty sure this isn't supposed to be here." Oh, it's meant to be here. When Twilight opened this school, I put this underground cave in place as a gift, so if anything were to happen, students could always come down here if they needed to. I saw Smolder stick her head inside the cave and I looked closely. Ocellus asked "What are you doing?" What do you think she's doing? Smolder said "Dragon. Strange Magical Cave. What do you think I'm doing?" She's probably looking for gems or something. Smolder came down and the students looked at her confused before they ventured down here themselves. Silverstream asked "Did we know this was down here?" You probably didn't. Only I knew this was down here and this is where I go sometimes to see if anything fishy is going on. Sandbar said "I don't think anypony knows this is down here." I beg to differ on that one. I said "I know someone who knows this is down here." The students all turned to me and I made myself known and of course I was all sparkly and everything because I am the Tree of Harmony. Now I need to shut up and start talking like the Tree. I said "Welcome." Sandbar said "Zachary? Where are we?" I said "I am not Zachary that you are speaking of. I am the Spirit of Harmony. These are the underground caves that were made when this school was first built and magic from the Tree of Harmony lies here."

Yona said "Yona confused." I said "It is as I feared. You are not one. What has happened?" I knew what happened, but I'm the Spirit of Harmony, so I must act like I have no clue. Ocellus said "We were studying Friendship's effect on history, but then…" Gallus said "Since friendship just isn't in our nature, what's the point?" The Tree became furious and I said "You do not believe friendship is in your nature? How dare you believe such a lie!" My eagle wings spread out and super fast winds came from it circling the area. Silverstream said "The prince is glowing, you guys." It's not that bad. "What is going on?" You're about to find out. Ocellus said "We should probably get back to studying for the test." The winds stopped blowing and I said "Test, you say? Ah yes." I blasted crystals at the entrance so they couldn't get out. "This door will close by sunrise. Pass the test and you may leave. Fail the test and you will be stuck down here FOREVER!" I shined really bright and then disappeared. I also had everyone teleported so that they may face their fears. I followed Silverstream first. She said "OH!" She went through the waterfall and she ended up back on Mount Aris. "Mount Aris?! Zachary sent me home?" I did not. How dare you think that way! "Wait. Did Twilight suspend me?" No she did not. So stop thinking like that. "Hello? Anygriff here?" Nope. "Hmm. They must be topside." I think you are mistaken. She went back to the caves and I made shadows of Storm creatures appear to scare Silverstream since this was her test.

She went into seapony form and was terrified to see the shadow of the Storm King. She said in horror "The Storm King?! He's back?!" No, he is not. That's just a shadow. I rolled my eyes and moved on to the next creature. I went to where Gallus was and I saw him flying around. He said "Big room. No exits." It will get smaller any second now. "Big deal." I pointed the light at him and I used my scepter to shrink the size of the room causing him to freak out. "Not cool." Good luck buddy. Hope you don't die. I went to Yona and this environment was pretty creepy if you ask me. Yona said "Nothing for Yaks to be afraid of." Oh, I doubt that. "Just empty cave. Nothing in here can hurt… Yona!" I made the spiders come awake and boy were those red eyes creepy. At least it wasn't Minecraft spiders. Eeek! Those things are scary. That's the one mob that scares me the most. Not even the Ender Dragon scares me as much as a spider. Yuck! I'm gonna get out of here. I followed Smolder and she said "Things like this just don't happen in the Dragonlands." Well, that's how it is. Deal with it. She ran into a tea party and I made sure they talked about cute things even though it disgusted me just as much as the spiders. "No. On so many levels, no." Fine. You're avoiding it? Guess we'll have to do it the hard way then.

She flew out of there but came back in the exact same spot. You can't escape this one, Smolder. I'm known as the most powerful creature in all of Equestria for a reason. She kept flying away and the result will just continue to be the same. I went over to Ocellus and saw what she was doing. I had some unreformed changelings come to her and she said "Why do you look like that?" I think it's obvious. The changeling said "What do you mean? We all look the same." I have the fix for that. Ocellus said "Not me." Not yet, but you will be in a few seconds. The other changeling said "Of course not you, Your Majesty." As much as I hate her, I have to do this. "We'll go drain the love from those pathetic ponies in Ponyville just like you ordered!" They walked away and Ocellus looked in the mirror to see herself as Chrysalis. Sorry. I had to do it. Ocellus yelled no and I got out of there before I mistaken her for Chrysalis. I went to where Sandbar was and I put both Rarity and Rainbow in front of them with their backs turned towards him. "Rarity" turned around and said "Oh, thank heavens we've found you!" This is interesting. "Rainbow" said "There's an emergency and we need you, Sandbar!" Sandbar fell for the bait and said "My first friendship adventure!" It isn't what it's all cracked up to be.

"Yes! Count me in! I've been waiting for this… Wait. The others." Here comes the twist. "We don't need them! We need you! Come on!" They took off and Sandbar soon followed. You'll eventually get it Sandbar. I went back to Gallus and he tried figuring it out before he touched the light again and I shrunk it once more. He said "Come on, Gallus. Get it together." You better or else it will only get more difficult. "Deep breaths." He sneezed and the walls were shrinking even more which scared the crap out of Gallus. Sorry. That's how it is. Finally, it stopped and Gallus had to think. "Ok, if this is a test, there's got to be a way out." Just look up. "It's just a puzzle… that will squash you if you don't figure it out. He put his claw to the light and nothing happened. Instead of the opening shrinking, it expanded which gave Gallus some confidence. "No pressure." Don't stress it too much. He slapped another one and it expanded some more before shrinking back up again. He played with it back and forth before he finally was able to escape and the opening closed for good. Nice job, Gallus. You passed your test. Let's see if the others can. I went back to where Smolder was and she was still flying around trying to avoid that tea party. She's doing the "Deny, deny, deny" thing and it won't work. No one is paying attention. Smolder got mad and sat down anyways just to get it over with since she obviously wasn't going to get out of here without interacting with other ponies. She said "Look. I have to get out of here and find my friends, so just tell me what I have to do to pass the test." Of course. Looking for the easy way out. Sorry. That don't work like that. I ain't telling you and I'll make these two ponies not tell you either, so don't bother. "I'm not afraid of anything." Are you sure about that? I made the two ponies point out what it could be and Smolder gave up. "Just this once. *clears throat and says in high pitched voice* May I have some tea, please?" The two ponies obviously said you can't have a tea party without being dressed properly and Smolder darted her eyes around just to make sure no one was looking. I ain't gonna judge you. "Ok. But let's just keep it between us." Sounds fair enough. The two ponies smiled and Smolder dressed up like a princess or something. I'm not sure.

I almost barfed in disgust and I took my leave before I made a mess of things. I went to where Yona was and I had the spiders in a herd chasing her really fast. She went all over the place and I surrounded her with spiders to make sure she didn't escape. She screamed "Yona need help! Where Yona's friends when Yona needs them?" They aren't as scary as you may think. Not these ones at least. A single spider came up and started making noises to it. "Yona no mean to scream. Yona love making friends. Spiders… friends?" I'll make them your friends so they can't hurt you. "Wait. What little spider say?" I went back towards the entrance and Smolder asked "What happened to you?" Gallus asked "What happened to you?" Crazy things. Smolder took all of that stuff off and said "You never saw any of that, got it?" Yes, ma'am! I promise I won't say anything. They looked up and saw the entrance was slowly closing. Gallus said "Maybe the others got out already and we're the last ones?" I think you are mistaken on that one. Smolder said "Yeah. That totally seems like something they would do." She's got a point. Gallus grumbled and said "Any other dragon or griffon would save themselves and get out of this crazy cave." Yeah, because both species are greedy, selfish creatures who care about nothing but themselves and their foolish possessions. But you two aren't like them. You've been taught not to do that and are good natured. I can tell by reading your thoughts and intentions in your heart.

Smolder said "Guess we aren't just any dragon or griffon anymore." Dang. First, ponies read my mind, now other creatures? Good grief. What's next? They know where I originally came from? I hope not. That would be creepy. Gallus said "Guess not. You go that way. I'll check over there." Both of them took off and I made the entrance close some more as it was getting closer to sunrise. You're running out of time guys. I went to where Sandbar was and he stopped and said "Wait. I really should find my friends." But are you going to do that or will you let first impressions and good reputations stop you from following the truth? "Rarity" said "Darling, it was so generous of you to take the time to teach those other creatures about friendship." This is a test based on loyalty. Where does Sandbar's loyalty lie? With his friends or with the Mane Six? He'll have to find out the answer himself. "Rainbow" said "But if you're going to join us and do something that really makes a difference, we need to know where your loyalty lies." Exactly. And I'm making the both of them say these things so Sandbar can really think about it. Rarity said "You do want to impress us, don't you, Sandbar?" I know I shouldn't be fear mongering him, but it's necessary for this test.

Unfortunately, he still fell for the bait and went after them. He'll get it eventually. But he better hurry because Sunrise is only two hours away. You're running out of time Sandbar, so you better speed it up a bit. I followed Smolder and she was looking around until she heard crying. She said "Huh? Ocellus?" Ocellus heard it and said "Go away." That won't fix anything. Smolder said "We're still in those weird caves beneath the school! We've got to get out of here!" She's got a point. You have less than two hours before Sunrise and when the doors close for good. Ocellus showed herself and Smolder gasped. It isn't what you think it is. "Chrysalis! Where's Ocellus?!" Ocellus cried some more and said "It's me. I'm hideous!" Ugh. I feel bad for you man. Anyways, I went back to where Gallus was and he yelled "Hello? Where are… Whoa!" He was looking around when Silverstream tackled him under the water and hid behind the rock. Silverstream said "SHHHHH! The Storm King will hear you!" That's not really him. It's a fake. It's his shadow. Gallus said "The Storm King? He was defeated." He is right. "We're still under the school. This is all just some crazy test!" I made the shadows growl again and Gallus had a terrified look on his face as well. "Ok, that's horrifying." I can make it a lot more if you want.

Silverstream said "I can't find any hippogriffs or seaponies. They must all be captured." I doubt that. In fact, let me look here. Yep. They are all fine. Nothing to worry about. Gallus flew up and Silverstream panicked. "Gallus! Get back down here!" The shadows continued to make growling noises, but Gallus saw right through my trap. Very clever, Gallus. I must say, I'm very proud of you for being able to see through my trap. I wanted someone to see through my trap and Gallus was the one to do it. So, congratulations man. You solved my puzzle. Gallus said "It's not real." You would be correct. However, Silverstream didn't believe that and said "Yes, it is!" No he's not, you dimwit. "He's back and I'm never going to see another sunset or fly through a cloud bank or study plumbing." Okay, I think you are overreacting by quite a bit. "He's going to take away everything I love." I doubt that. "I'm going to be trapped down here forever." With an attitude like that, yes you will be. But if you face your fear, then you will pass the test and be able to get out of here. Gallus said "I'm afraid of being trapped too." Oh, I had no idea. For the uneducated, I was being sarcastic. Seriously. Read more books. "I'm scared of small spaces." I know that.

Silverstream asked "Really?" Do you think he would tell you if he was lying? Gallus said "Yeah. And I was stuck in a room that kept shrinking." You can thank me for that. "But I realized I had to face my fear and I found the way out." That's how you pass the test, not hiding from it like a coward. "This is your test. He isn't really here." I could make him reappear, but for the sake of the students, I'll be nice and not do that. I made the shadows growl again and Silverstream asked with fear "But what if he is?" Then tell him exactly how you feel. Have at it. Gallus said with confidence "Then tell him exactly what you think of him." Silverstream came up out of the water and started yelling at the shadows. She said "H-hey! Storm King!" You have my attention. "You're nothing but a big ole bully with a silly name and a goofy crown!" Dang that's harsh. You tell him, girl. "You thought you could scare us into doing whatever you wanted!" Well, for a time, that was the case. "But we learned that together we're stronger than you!" Can't argue with that. "And now that we're rid of you, we're gonna soar through the sky and go on adventures and never give you another thought. Ever!" She came to the ground and slammed her claws on it causing the rocks to fall down and the shadows to disappear. Congrats Silverstream. You have passed your test. "Haha! I did it! I told him!" Okay, we get it now.

She went over to Gallus and hugged him. Get that romantic ship going! They fit so well together. Gallus said "OK, hug time later." Why do you do that, man? That was harsh. "We still have to get back to the library." Yeah, better hurry because Sunrise is in about 30 minutes, so you might want to step on it. I went back to where Smolder and Ocellus was and things still weren't that great. Oh dear. Smolder said "You're a Changeling. Just change back." It's not that simple, Smolder. Watch. Ocellus said "I can't." She tried switching back to her normal form, but nothing changed. "Maybe my past was so horrible, it's still inside me just waiting to come out again." I don't think so. Ever since you started to share love, that unsatisfied hunger completely vanished and no longer exists, so that's not really a valid statement. Smolder said "That's ridiculous." I agree. "That's not who you are anymore." She's right. Just because you had a terrible past, doesn't mean you'll always go back to it. Unless your name is King Sombra, then maybe. But you get the idea. "You've changed." Once again, she is right. Ocellus said "Maybe we can't really change that much." Now you're speaking nonsense. That's what sin wants you to believe. But you must banish it and focus on what's true. Smolder said "I like cute, silly stuff!" Um, are you sure you want to admit that, Smolder? I would advise against it if you don't want people to know.

Ocellus said "I'm sorry, what?" Nothing. Nothing to see here. Carry on. Smolder said louder, fully embarrassed, "I like cute, silly stuff!" Well, now that's in the open. "But ever since school started, I realized that sometimes I kinda don't mind cute stuff." Ocellus laughed a bit and that caused Smolder to give a glare at her. She stopped laughing and Smolder continued on. "If a dragon like me can admit she likes tea parties, that's proof we can change." She's got a point. "I was going to invite you to a top-secret tea party with me, but if you want to stay down here." She turned away and Ocellus said "Oh, no! I wanna come!" Suddenly, Ocellus changed back to her normal form and I smiled. Congrats, Ocellus. You passed your test. Now, there's one more creature that needs to pass their test. "I thought that might work. Come on, let's go!" Yeah, because we just hit 20 minutes left till Sunrise, so step on it people. They came back towards the entrance and Silverstream asked "Where's Yona and Sandbar?" You'll find Yona in a second. As for Sandbar, he's still trying to do his test. But he's running out of time, so I don't know when he'll realize it. You really can't tell when the Sun will come up from down here, so you kinda have to guess a bit.

Gallus said "The way out is closing!" You still got like 15 minutes left, so you don't need to leave right this second, but the sooner the better. Smolder said "We aren't leaving without them." That's loyalty right there. Rainbow would be proud of you for that. Suddenly, Yona came out with the spiders and she said "Yona find you guys!" The rest of them were creeped out and Silverstream asked "Hey, Yona. Who's your spider army?" This is an interesting story. Yona said "Yona always scared of spiders but then Yona meet Spindle!" Who? "Yona realize no reason to be afraid." Well, these kinds of spiders are fine, but not all spiders are that way. Spiders such as Black Widows are extremely poisonous and are very deadly as well. You do not want to mess with one. "Spiders and Yaks friends." These ones, yes. All Spiders? No. "So Yona ask new friends for help finding old friends." Uh okay. Gallus asked "Do you think your new friends can help us find Sandbar?" Your wish is my command! The spiders took off and Smolder said "Of all the strange things that have happened tonight, that's the strangest, right?" Maybe. It's definitely one of the strangest. But it will get even more strange later on. You'll see. They followed after him and I teleported myself to Sandbar who was still running until he finally had enough.

He put his hoof down and said "OK. Enough! I'm not going anywhere without my friends!" Let's see if you pass the test. Time to take it up a notch. "Rainbow" flew in front of him and said "So you don't care about anypony but your friends?" Once again, I wish I didn't have to do this, but it's necessary for the test. The Tree of Harmony is telling me to do this, so I must follow directions. "Are you really that selfish?" That's not selfish. Selfish is when you care about no one but yourself. He cares about his friends so that's not a valid argument saying he's selfish just because he cares about his friends. But once again, it's a test, so Sandbar has to point out the flaws so that he may pass. "Rarity" said "Honestly, you really are such a disappointment." Just part of the test. Sandbar said "I've always looked up to you. You would never turn your back on each other. And that's what makes you strong. And now I have a group of friends that I think is every bit as amazing as yours. If I have to give up on them to make you proud, then you aren't the ponies I thought you were. I don't care if I disappoint you. You disappoint me." Congrats, Sandbar. You finally saw the flaw with this trap and knew where your loyalty lied. Both of them smiled and I made them disappear in a flash of light.

Silverstream looked perplexed and asked "Did you just tell our professors you were disappointed in them?!" They weren't actually them. Sandbar said "Something tells me those weren't actually our professors." You would be correct. "Besides, they tried to get between me and my friends!" That was the whole point of the test. It was to see where your loyalty lied and you passed. Smolder said "That's all very sweet." Oh dear. Here it comes. "Now can we please get out of here?" They all tried getting out, but I revealed myself as the Spirit of Harmony once more. Sandbar said "You! You're not Prince Zachary, are you?" I shook my head no and Ocellus said "You're the Tree of Harmony!" I said "Close. I am the Spirit of Harmony. I come from the Tree that you have all learned in this school. The Prince is my guardian and protects it against all evil and it's me that gives him strength in his scepter. My magic is what supplies it with great power." Silverstream asked "The Tree of Harmony turned into a sparkly version of the prince to talk to us?" Pretty much. "Did I miss a chapter in class?" Nope. I said "Like all living things, I change as I grow. As I have grown, so have my abilities." Gallus said "I'm a bit rusty on Pony history, but since when does the Tree of Harmony trap creatures in a cave with their biggest fears?!"

I said "You chose what you saw in my roots, not me. To answer your question, you doubted friendship as a powerful force and underestimated my power. But you each passed your own test by using something to which I grew from." Sandbar gasped and said "Our friendship got us past our fears!" I nodded my head yes and said "You valued each other's well being more than your own. You were strong when your friends were weak. You let each other in and showed that you would be there for each other, no matter what. Friendship is in your nature no matter what any other creature says. You all saw through my traps that I placed and came out stronger than before. This proves you know about friendship and it resides in your heart. Don't let any creature tell you that's not true. Because of that, I shall let you free." I charged up my scepter and blasted the entrance free of the crystals and they walked out. I went up to the library and returned to my regular lion form, but not my physical one because of the crime over my head. I heard Gallus say "We just learned a friendship lesson from a tree, didn't we?" You sure did. Cozy Glow came over and said "You're all right!" Why are you saying that? You probably don't even care. "I came back with my notes and saw this and didn't know what to think." You probably gritted your teeth in anger because you thought you would get exposed of your evil plan. But thankfully, I kept that hidden away for now. But it won't be like that forever. So don't get too comfy.

Silverstream said "We're better than all right! We just got tested by the Tree of Harmony! And we totally passed!" That's good news. Cozy asked "The Tree of Harmony? Here?" Well, not the physical tree, but the Spirit of the Tree was down there. It's magic was at work once again. Silverstream said "Yeah! Well. Below here. Under the school!" Why do I have a bad feeling about this? "We found this and went down and met the Tree and Gallus was all "friendship is not in our nature" and the tree was like what? And it tested us!" That's interesting to hear. Oh wait. I was here the whole time. Smolder said "Long story short." Yes please. "Friendship IS in our nature. The Tree said so." Technically, I did, but don't tell them that. Ocellus said "I guess we should tell somepony there's a giant magical hole in the library." I had one of the crystals grab the thing and closed it. "Or not." Sandbar said "We have to tell our professors about this! They won't-" until Cozy said "You can't!" Hmm. That seems suspicious. Yona asked "Why no?" Because she's hiding her evil plan down there and she doesn't want anyone to find out even though I already know about it. I'm just waiting for the right time to strike. Cozy said "Because it's my fault!" Yeah it is for betraying us all like that in the finale. "You were all getting along so well and I felt left out. I was jealous." Yeah, I'm not buying that and neither should the rest of you.

This is one of her attacks trying to deceive you with her words by making you feel guilty but instead have your emotions toyed with. It's pathetic. "And it upset you so much the Tree of Harmony had to test you! Oh! I'm going to get expelled for sure!" You won't get expelled, but you will get charged for treason and be sentenced to Tartarus for the rest of your life. "Please don't tell anypony about this!" Oh I will, and there's NOTHING you can do to stop me. "Especially the professors!" You think that will get you expelled? Man, are you living a lie. "Please! Please! Please!" Ok, we get it. Smolder said "OK! *yawns* I'm actually too tired to do anything right now." You really can't go to sleep though because the Sunrise has already happened and school will start soon. Sandbar said "Yeah. But we can't go to sleep. We'll miss the test." He has a point. Gallus said "The test! I almost forgot!" You still have time. Ocellus yawned and said "We're all gonna fail." Oh dear. They all fell asleep and I didn't know what to think. Cozy said "What if I tell Professor Sparkle I needed help organizing these books and you were all kind enough to pitch in?" How about you just shut the heck up and get out of here before I force you to? "I'll get you an extension." They can't hear you at this point, so don't even bother trying anymore. Sandbar said "Thanks, Cozy. That's nice of you." Pfft. I doubt she'll actually do that.

He fell asleep too and Cozy said "I'm just so sorry I caused all of this." Are you? Your heart says otherwise. "You're such good friends." Get out of here. "I'm sorry if I ever doubted you." You should be. Because you said they weren't capable of friendship was basically saying that my magic isn't a powerful force. That's a direct challenge to me and you shall perish for that. "You get some rest. Don't give any of this another thought. Just let Cozy take care of everything." I see that look on your face. I had enough and had my scepter use black shadows to engulf Cozy Glow and get her out of here. I looked down at the student six and I smiled. Man, did they have a night. *yawns* I'm tired too. I think I'll sleep for a little bit. I went up to them and I laid down having both of my eagle wings be on top of them just for warmth and so they could snuggle against me if they so desired. Speaking of which, they all did that and were sleeping peacefully. I looked at them one more time and I fell asleep as well. What a night it was.

AN: I know that the original episode had Twilight as the Spirit of Harmony, but since Zachary is considered the Guardian of the Tree of Harmony, I thought he would be a better representation, so I hope that's fine with everyone. Anyways, we see that Cozy Glow is almost ready to hatch her plan, but you'll have to wait three more chapters before we see this plan in action. I know it might seem kinda dark for Zachary to have black shadows engulf Cozy Glow and teleport her away, but she was starting to become annoying, so it was necessary. Anyways, hope you enjoy the chapter!

Next Chapter: The introduction of the Kirin! The map calls Applejack and Fluttershy to go to a place that houses a creature named the Kirin which can turn into demon-like creatures when they get angry. When they get there, they realize no one is talking. They learn the history and it's devastating to hear. However, there is a division amongst themselves. Will the both of them be able to solve this one, or will they end up like the rest of the Kirin if they end up fighting?

Until then, my fellow readers